As healthcare providers we interface with the public every day. Our conversations range from introductory niceties and diagnostic interrogations to discussions about treatment plans and outcomes. The last topic often evokes the question, “How long will my root canal treatment last?” It’s a valid question and the answer is often rife with contingencies and complexities that vary for each patient and each tooth. Yet, what has stood out to me in these conversations is the patient’s implicit impression that a root canal will last forever. Is that reasonable or even possible to predict reliably? Do patients ask the same questions of their restorative dentists about a composite restoration or crown? Is the reality that all dental work is temporary?

Over the last year and a half, there has been a dramatic shift in the way people access information on the internet. Searches on dental symptoms, research on providers and online patient registration have increased as the methods patients use to find information have become more accessible and convenient. The shift from desktop computing to mobile device platforms has altered the internet landscape, and hence, that of your online presence. Is your endodontic practice engaging visitors with a website that accommodates mobile, tablet and desktop devices? If not, you could be losing prospective patients.

Though the setting was a far cry from their clinics and practices, the goal was the same: save the teeth. In March, Drs. Daniella S. Peinado, Victoria J. Ball and Ryan B. McMahan visited the fishing village of Treasure Beach, Jamaica, on an access to care trip funded by the Foundation for Endodontics.

As chairman of the AAE’s Practice Affairs Committee, one of my responsibilities is responding to AAE member questions about dental claims. I also run my own endodontic practice, so I know firsthand the frustrations of dealing with dental insurance companies. In May, I had the opportunity to join AAE President Dr. Linda G. Levin and Immediate Past President Dr. Terryl A. Propper at the AAE’s biennial meeting with a group of 20 dental directors representing large dental insurers. The meeting was eye-opening on a number of levels.

The AAE’s patient education videos are excellent resources to help your patients understand endodontic procedures and the specialists who perform them. High-quality, 3-D animated videos explain what happens during root canal treatment, retreatment, endodontic surgery, and the diagnosis and treatment of cracked teeth. Additional videos illustrate advancements in endodontic training and technology and emphasize the safety of root canal treatment. Take advantage of this free member benefit by downloading the videos to use in your practice or institution, or embedding them in your website directly from the AAE’s YouTube channel.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the art and science of endodontics and in recognition of his long association with Canadian endodontics, the Canadian Academy of Endodontics is presenting John I. Ingle, D.D.S., M.S.D., with Honorary Membership.

The AAE Headquarters staff plays a vital role in serving AAE members and keeping the Association running smoothly. Recently, we’ve added new faces to the AAE team. Please feel free to call on staff for assistance whenever you need it!